North Africa Set to Receive Large-Scale Solar

North Africa will see the development of several solar plants which will be springing up around the continent. The solar power plants are expected to create over 10,000 jobs as well as save on annual 1.7 million tonnes in dangerous greenhouse gases.

The new project, which will be supported by the Clean Technology Fund, and overseen by the World Bank in conjunction with four other banking institutions, is expected to receive a total funding budget of  $5.6bn. The Clean Technology Fund’s committee announced that they would contribute $750m (£450m) with the UK contributing £56m to the CTF fund.

The International Development Minister, Gareth Thomas, said that the large-scale solar plant projects which is being brought to Northern Africa will potentially be able to power the entire globe in future decades. He added that solar power is providing us with an alternative to fossil fuel dependancy and limit the devastating impact unclean energy is having on the planet.

He continued explaining that, now, more than ever, global financial aid for renewables and clean energy markets was vital to sustaining a healthy, livable planet. He added that financial aid would be necessary if emissions targets being set at Copenhagen this week are to be maintained.

The solar plants project is expected to help North Africa develop a more secure, clean energy infrastructure and potentially become a global leader in the solar energy sector. These projects have the potential to make South Africa a global leader as a solar energy exporter.